Indian Foreign Policy by Harsh V. Pant

Description

Indian Foreign Policy: An Overview by Harsh V. Pant is a comprehensive examination of India’s foreign policy, offering an in-depth analysis of its evolution, key drivers, and contemporary challenges. Harsh V. Pant, a prominent scholar and expert in international relations, explores the fundamental principles that have shaped India's foreign policy since its independence, as well as its strategies for dealing with regional and global dynamics. The book provides an insightful overview of India’s foreign policy from the post-independence period to its present-day approach. It focuses on the following key aspects: Historical Context: Pant begins by discussing the historical factors that influenced India's foreign policy decisions, particularly the legacy of colonialism and the vision of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who emphasized non-alignment and peaceful coexistence. He highlights how India navigated its foreign relations in the context of the Cold War and its alignment with the Soviet Union. Core Principles: The book delves into the core principles that have defined Indian foreign policy, such as non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and the pursuit of peace. Pant examines how these principles have evolved over time, especially in the face of changing global power structures and India's own rise as a regional power. India's Regional Relations: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to India’s relations with its neighboring countries, including Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Pant analyzes India’s efforts to manage regional security, political tensions, and economic cooperation in the South Asian context. Global Engagement: The book also explores India’s role on the global stage, including its engagement with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and its increasing involvement in global forums like BRICS and G20. Pant discusses India’s foreign policy shift from a more isolationist stance to becoming an active player in international affairs. Challenges and Opportunities: Pant addresses the challenges that India faces in the current international landscape, including balancing relationships with major powers like the United States, Russia, and China. He also looks at the opportunities presented by India’s growing economic power and its efforts to assert itself as a global player in the 21st century. Contemporary Foreign Policy: The book examines India’s foreign policy under recent governments, highlighting the shift towards a more pragmatic and assertive foreign policy approach, including closer ties with the U.S., strategic partnerships, and the handling of issues like terrorism, climate change, and economic diplomacy. Overall, Indian Foreign Policy: An Overview provides a nuanced and detailed understanding of how India has shaped its foreign policy over the decades and how it continues to navigate the complex web of international relations today. It is an essential read for anyone interested in Indian politics, international relations, and the country’s evolving role in the global arena.